"Mr Posting Robot v2.1" wrote in
u:


BONZO@27-32-240-172 [numerous nyms] wrote:
[Aussie coal lobby spin]



Increase in tornado, hurricane damage brings call for more stringent
building standards

Provided by Oregon State University
PHYSORG
August 8, 2011

Researchers from a team funded by the National Science Foundation have
examined some of last spring's massive tornado damage and conclude in
a new report that more intensive engineering design and more rigorous,
localized construction and inspection standards are needed to reduce
property damage and loss of life.

[snip]

In their research, the scientists and engineers found that even in the
most catastrophic tornadoes, the path exposed to the most extreme
winds is very narrow. In the Joplin example, buildings less than
one-half mile away probably faced winds in the 130 mph range, which
often destroyed them because they lacked appropriate fasteners,
tie-downs, connectors, or adequate number of sheathing nails.

Been discovered before

[snip]

* Vertical uplift, one of the special risks from tornadoes, is often
not planned for in traditional construction approaches.

Uplift is not a special risk; it is a risk common to ALL high wind
events, along with differential pressure, high-low-high cycling (fatigue)

[snip]

Funny thing - roofs with board under-sheathing fixed on with staples ??

On the other hand, up/over roller doors that can resist 300km/hr winds
are obtainable in the US.
In Australia, they start coming apart at +/- 150km/hr.

[snip]

Another problem that has to be taken seriously is a slow rise of sea
level which could become catastrophic if it continues to accelerate.
We have accurate measurements of sea level going back 200 years. We
observe a steady rise from 1800 to the present, with an acceleration
during the last 50 years. It is widely believed that the recent
acceleration is due to human activities, since it coincides in time
with the rapid increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Lots of things coincide - cause and effect is something else entirely.

Freeman Dyson, "Many Colored Glass: Reflections on the Place of
Life in the " etc.

He hasn't noticed the recent reduction in acceleration, or the now
numerous studies showing sea level is much more closely related to
natural processes.